Latin-American Studies

Period of the Independencies in Latin America
Before the declaration of independence of various countries in Latin America, it was under the occupation of the Spaniards who conquer over many countries that soon on declared independence as well. The Spaniards, as wise as they were, took advantages of the riches of Latin America by hording all its resources and depriving the Latin Americans of their own land’s riches. The Latin Americans could no longer tolerate the oppression done by the Spaniards. As early as the 1700s, small rebellion groups rose up against the Spaniards but were easily defeated by their strong invaders. “In Peru, where Indian rebellion of 1780 broke out, local militia first stood by and watched, and then suffered severe defeat” (Bethell, 2002).  Independence of Latin America took place in simultaneous areas. However, Latin America was not united yet they fought for each country’s independence (Bethell, 2002).

In the year 1778-1779, The Inconfidencia Mineira rebellion group in Brazil plotted against their occupants yet failed (Borges, 2004).  Followed by the slave revolt of the Haitians in Saint Dominique, over the French colonial rule (Bethell, 2002). The Haitians were able to abolish slavery and establish their very first repulic but were still unable to break free of the French colony’s rule. In the year, due to the aid of Napoleon and his plans of his emperial expansion, Haiti was able to declare independence on the year 1804.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, an activist named Francisco de Miranda led in the plot to bring independence to Venezuela. Miranda’s efforts bore only short victory as Spain, headed by Napoleon, later on became an ally of Britain. Miranda became a victim to political sabotage and was sentenced to imprisonement where he died in his prison cell. On the following year, Napoleon invaded Portugal and decided to move the royal family to Brazil (Borges, 1971). On the year 1810 autonomous governments were emerging simultaneously throught the Spanish-ruled America.

During this time in Mexico, a priest, Father Miguel Hidalgo, led a small group of insurgents to revolt against the Spanish rule. The small rebellion group only made it halfway through and were driven back. With Father Hidalgo captured and executed, the people sought for new leaders that continued their battle for independence which they achieved in the year 1820. Spain formally recognized Mexico’s independence on August 24, 1821. While on the year 1818, Chile declared its independence after the victorious battle of Maipu. Later on, the independence of Colombia was recognized and led by Simon Bolivar. On 1822, Simon Bolivar and San Martin held a confidential meeting with regards to the independence movement. San Martin later expressed his disregard for the movement and detached himself from it. During this year, Brazilian independence was proclaimed by Emperor Pedro I. The continuous campaigns of Simon Bolivar along with Surce led to two victorious battles and the independence of Peru.

Spain lost majority of their colonies to Napoleon but they remained control of Cuba and Puerto Rico  (Bannon, 1963). Insurgencies in Cuba rebelled against the Spanish rule and was later granted independene in 1902. While Puerto Rico had a population that were composed of nationalist forces. Puerto Rico became independet as a result of the rebellions in Cuba. Both Cuba and Puerto Rico became protectorate of the United States. As an analysis to this topic, I have observed that the Spanish occupation was highly inclined on slavery, a society of classes, power and profit maximization. Due to their lack of compassion, Latin America could not stand the oppression and thus fought for their own freedom and rights.